£50k lifeline will help ice hockey clubs through Covid

DUNDEE Stars and Fife Flyers have each received a £50,000 share of the £55 million Scottish Government funding package to help spectator sports through Covid-19.

With ice hockey suspended in the UK over the last 12 months, the income streams of clubs have been decimated.

However, the Scottish Government grants– which have been distributed by the national agency for sport, sportscotland, to ice hockey, basketball, netball and motorsport businesses – have been hailed by Stars head coach and general manager Omar Pacha (pictured).

He said: “Throughout this pandemic we have had some great discussions with sportscotland regarding support for the Stars.

“The club is extremely thankful for this financial support. The help is much needed.

“It puts the team in a better position for next season and allows us to continue our growth both as a club and for the sport in Dundee.

“We look forward to continuing to work side by side with sportscotland.”

Meanwhile, Fife motor racing circuits Knockhill and Driftland have also benefited from the emergency funding package – to the tune of £330,000 and £20,000 respectively.

Scottish Government sport minister Mairi Gougeon said: “I’m pleased to be able to provide this additional funding for spectator sports.

“It will ensure that motorsport, basketball, ice hockey and netball clubs are protected from the loss in ticket revenue during the pandemic, until spectators can safely return to sports events in larger numbers.

“Restrictions on supporters at events have been vital and necessary in stopping the spread of the virus and saving lives.

“However, it has been a very challenging time for many sports clubs.

“Without this urgent financial support, the survival of some could be in question and I am delighted that we are able to provide this funding as part of the £55 million emergency sports funding package from the Scottish Government.”

Chief executive of sportscotland, Stewart Harris, added: “This additional investment is very welcome and will help to protect the long-term futures of these clubs.

“It has been an incredibly challenging period for Scottish sport but the sporting system has shown real resilience in its response.”